Strategy
8 min read

Real Life Bootstrapping, Vol 3: Can’t Stop Crying…While on a Client Zoom Call

The process of building something with your own resources and dreams is absolutely gut-wrenching. Sometimes the founder-zen-bros make it sound linear and mathematical.... But it's not....
Written by
Roy Keely
Published on
September 15, 2023

I wish the title of this post wasn’t based on first-hand experience that I’ve had in the last twelve months, but it absolutely was.

There I was staring at my webcam on a call with 2 other people whom I deeply like and respect ….snot…tears….weird mouth sounds….6, no 8 minutes, of sloppy, soul-exploding exposure…and I couldn’t make it stop.

I let them down and didn’t have good answers.

Hell, I let myself down the most to be honest.

A project went over budget and I was eating it month over month.

It was threatening the viability of my new venture.

…And hot damn you know what happened?

I didn’t get fired.

That’s right…that seemingly, insurmountable challenge built a stronger relationship. Those tears weren’t contrived. They were the honest expression of a totally unforeseen, deeply overwhelming circumstance.

What is the RLB (Real Life Bootstrapping) lesson from all of this?

The process of building something with your own resources and dreams is absolutely gut-wrenching. Sometimes the founder-zen-bros make it sound linear and mathematical. Like a set of step-by-step instructions. Like making grilled cheese. In my experience, though, it’s more like a purification and forging agent. You question your worth constantly. Don’t kid yourself about it being easy or fun.

Is it good? YES, absolutely.

Is it for the faint of heart? ….ha…. we are all faint of heart! Only narcissists disagree.

Get insights to your inbox
No spam. Just the latest releases and tips, interesting articles, and exclusive interviews in your inbox every week.
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Strategy
5 minutes

Real Life Bootstrapping, Vol 2: Team PTO & No Slack in the System

As an employee, a teammate taking PTO is an inconvenience. As a founder, it’s far more existential… pointing out the fragility of the business you’re trying to build. In the early stages threats lie everywhere.
Read post
Strategy
2 minutes

Navigating the Idea Maze & Why Service Companies

The idea maze is so valuable and the only way you can navigate it is by hitting your head countless times and solving the problem...
Read post
We write great emails...
We won't sell your information. Read our
Privacy Policy
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
© 2023 Firm Studio. All rights reserved.